Though high-octane stunts have always been the primary selling point here, Lin and veteran “Fast” screenwriter Chris Morgan have labored to add depth, dimensionality and inner conflict to the now-sprawling cast of recurring characters — so much so that, at times, “Furious 6” plays like a glossy gearhead melodrama.

Parents need to know that Fast & Furious 6 is the sixth movie in the long-running series that began with 2001's The Fast and the Furious. Like its predecessors, it's focused on car chases, explosions, and objectifying women. There are tons of exploding vehicles and lots of violent fighting, plus some shooting and some death (though very little blood). There are some minor sexual situations, but no actual nudity is shown. Language is somewhat strong, including one "f--k" and several uses of "s--t," "a--hole," and "p---y." Characters are seen drinking Corona beer from time to time. The previous movie, Fast Five, reinvigorated the series and became its biggest hit, so teens are likely to be all fired up for this one -- though it's not as good from a story perspective.

Families can talk about Fast & Furious 6's violence. How did it affect you? Does it seem at all realistic? How does that change its impact?

Are any of these characters role models? How can they be heroes if they're also international thieves and criminals who end up destroying millions of dollars' worth of property? Can you think of other movies where "bad guys" are the heroes?

How does the movie portray women? Does it objectify them? Are there any positive or strong female characters? What are their admirable traits?

The good stuff

Messages: The good guys swear by their "family" in this movie, although there's an awful lot of splitting up, as opposed to teamwork. Characters disappear to take care of various errands alone and are asked to leave their families (including newborn infants) behind to go on dangerous missions. But the message here is still arguably better than in some of the earlier movies in this series.

Role models: Other than characters with various skills (science, driving, etc.) and some tough women who can take care of themselves, these folks are mostly violent criminals who leave destruction in their wake. That said, the series' diversity is worth noting.

What to watch for

Violence: Lots of cars blow up, as well as a huge plane and a tank. Some characters die, but others emerge with just a few scratches (if any). There's a great deal of fighting, kicking, punching, and beating with various objects, but it's all done in an over-the-top, cartoonish way. No one really ever seems to get hurt, though one character gets a broken nose, with a little blood shown. Some guns and shooting. One character is shot in the shoulder (no blood), and another character is shot with a kind of high-tech harpoon.

Sex: Women are objectified, frequently shown in revealing outfits or bikinis. In one scene, a main male character is shown in bed with a girlfriend. Both are naked but are arranged so that nothing sensitive is shown. Another character is shown taking four women on a "date" in his private jet. In another scene, male and female characters compare scars, requiring them to pull back certain items of clothing an inch or two. Otherwise, romantically involved couples are seen kissing/touching from time to time.

Language: One use of "f--k," and more frequent use of other words, including "s--t," "p---y," "a--hole," "bitch," "goddamn," "ass," "hell," "damn," "goddamn," and "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation).

Consumerism: The Dodge Charger is referred to by name a couple of times. In one scene, a character shoots a vending machine, and a large selection of (free) candy bars is on display. A Coke machine stands next to it. Characters frequently drink Corona beer.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters are shown drinking beer in a few scenes, in a social way. No one gets drunk.

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